Mercedes EQC 400 Undercuts Luxury Competition in Price
All-electric Mercedes EQC 400 looks like a regular SUV and won't be priced as high as its competition, either.
Surprising Debut
Mercedes-Benz officially pulled the covers off its first-ever electric crossover, the EQC 400, at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show. And while there were a host of other similar vehicles making their debut at the same venue, the EQC stands out for a number of reasons that include everything from the way it looks to the surprisingly low price it'll sell for.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
Blending In
While most electric vehicles look like, well, electric vehicles, that isn't the case with the EQC. Instead, it looks like your typical internal-combustion model, one that fits right in with MB's current design language. This will most certainly appeal to those who want to make the switch to electric power without having to drive something that sticks out.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Price Cut
The other big news is that the EQC 400 will start out at a rather small base price of just $68,895, before destination charges and the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. That makes it cheaper than just about all of its competition, including the Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace, and Audi E-Tron.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Ticking Boxes
Together, this price range and the EQC's styling will also make it a tempting alternative for GLC and GLE shoppers. But of course, you can spend far more than $68k depending on which trim level you choose and the option boxes you tick off. The EQC 400 will be available in three different trim levels at first - Progressive, Premium, and Advanced.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Loaded Base Model
The entry-level Progressive trim level won't leave you with a bare-bones ride, however. It comes with a host of nice standard features, including 64-color ambient lighting, two 10.25" infotainment screens, LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist, active brake assist with autonomous emergency braking, and one complimentary year of Mercedes Me charging.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Improved Looks, Efficiency
Step up to the mid-level Progressive model, and you get even more goodies. Including grain wood trim, wireless charging capability, and an AMG Line exterior appearance package. You'll also get an Aero package that includes underbody aero and aluminum style running boards, all of which promise to make the EQC even more efficient.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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More Options
The top-level Advanced trim takes things a step further with leather upholstery, ventilated front and heated rear seats, as well as a Driver Assistance Package that includes Active Distance Assist. The Advanced trim EQC also comes in three different paint and upholstery options versus two for the Progressive and Premium.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Working Together
No matter which trim level you opt for, every EQC 400 comes with two electric motors and an 80 kWh battery. Total output comes in at 402 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The motor located on the rear axle focuses on performance, while the front motor is designed to optimize efficiency. Together, they propel the EQC to 60 miles-per-hour in a respectable 4.8-seconds.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Range Anxiety
While the range hasn't been officially certified by the EPA just yet, Mercedes estimates that the EQC 400 will travel somewhere between 210 and 215 miles on a charge. We'll know exactly where that ever-important number lands sometime around the EQC's official on-sale date, which will be sometime early next year.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Just the Beginning
These numbers put the EQC 400 firmly in the all-electric SUV/crossover fight, with a price and style that certainly appeals to a wider group of consumers. Thus, we expect Mercedes to immediately become a player in this hot market segment. And you can bet that this is just the beginning of what promises to quickly become a broad, diverse lineup.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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